Other types of protected areas

WildernessWilderness is usually an 'overlay' on national parks or reserves. Wilderness areas are large, remote and essentially unchanged by modern human activity. They are managed so that native plant and animal communities are disturbed as little as possible.

World HeritageThe globally recognised World Heritage list contains some of the most important examples of natural and cultural heritage in the world. More than 800 precious places are on the list, from the Great Barrier Reef to the pyramids of Egypt.

Green List of Protected AreasThe International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List of Protected Areas is a global initiative to encourage, measure, celebrate and share the success of protected area excellence. Australia currently has three NSW NPWS reserves accepted to the Green List.

Wild RiversWild rivers are rivers that are in near-pristine condition in terms of animal and plant life and water flow, and are free of the unnatural rates of siltation or bank erosion that affect many of Australia's waterways. In NSW, wild rivers are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.

Ramsar wetlandsRamsar wetlands are internationally significant sites. They are listed in the Ramsar Convention, which plays a key role in their conservation and wise use. Learn about the Ramsar sites in NSW.